I generally have little faith in bikeshops unless you have a very good relationship with someone working their. Bikeshops will punt their brands. What you doing now by getting people's opinions is a good start but you will have to test ride the bike and aslo see if you like the look of it. No point riding a bike you don't want to be on. My wife chose her Cube AMS 110 SL becuase it looked sexy to her. She didn't know anything about the componets and now any chance she gets she is on her bike.
I would highly recommend Johan Bornman's weekend course. Money well worth spent and the savings allow me to buy cycling goodies.... Also helps on the stage races when quick repairs are needed. Bought all my tools from Johan as well. Each tool I used during the course I made a note of and bought so that I didn't end up with unnecessary tools.
Everyone needs to stop labelling themselves cyclists, motorists, MTB'ers, etc and realise that we are first and foremost human beings. Once we have done that and then start having respect for each other then we will start seeing a real attitude change in all aspects of our lives and the people around us.
